Celestyal Cruise Ship: Operating this itinerary will be Celestyal Olympia or other ship from Celestyal fleet.

Share Rooming: Room Share is not available on this trip.

Itinerary: Occasionally the itinerary may be altered due to sailing conditions in the Aegean Sea, ferry schedules, religious holidays or unforeseen circumstances.

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.

Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).

For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.

Celestyal Cruise Ship: Operating this itinerary will be Celestyal Olympia or other ship from Celestyal fleet.

Share Rooming: Room Share is not available on this trip.

Itinerary: Occasionally the itinerary may be altered due to sailing conditions in the Aegean Sea, ferry schedules, religious holidays or unforeseen circumstances.

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.

Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).

For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.

Date & Price Updated

Please note, the itinerary, meals and highlights may have changed as a result of selecting a new date.

Please check these again before booking this date.

About this trip

Trace the splendour of great ancient empires, criss-crossing the Aegean Sea from the land of gods and goddesses to the sun-drenched seaside villages of the Cyclades islands. Take a walking tour of the Acropolis, enjoy sundowner views over Little Venice in Mykonos, and soak up the laid-back island vibes of Crete and Santorini.

Sightseeing Highlights

City tour in Athens

See Hadrian's Arch and the 1896 Olympic Stadium in Athens

View the Parthenon, the white-washed houses and windmills on Mykonos and the Caldera on Santorini

Visit the Acropolis in Athens, the trendy island of Mykonos, the thriving Turkish port of Kusadasi, the idyllic island of Patmos, the medieval Old Town of Rhodes, the port town of Heraklion and the cliff-top town of Fira on Santorini

What's Included

Dining

7 breakfasts

4 cruise dinners

4 cruise lunches

What's Included

Travel Highlights

Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing

Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals

Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Welcome to Athens. Transfer to your hotel on arrival, then take time to explore this lively city or relax at a café and watch the world go by.

Meals

Meals

Optional Experiences

Traditional Greek Taverna Meal With Entertainment

This is an evening excursion to a taverna in the centre of Athens. Enjoy excellent traditional Greek food in a lively atmosphere while being entertained by dances and music from all parts of the country. Wine, beer and soft drinks are also included. Although the venue does have an official ending time, guests are more than welcome to stay on in the taverna, to join in with the local residents! (Casual dress)

Adult Price: €55.00

Day 1

Day 2

Athens SightseeingDay 2 - Athens Sightseeing

Admire the sights of ancient Athens with your Local Specialist during your morning sightseeing tour, including the Royal Palace, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Arch and the Agora where Socrates taught. A walking tour of the Acropolis offers views of the Parthenon. Marvel at the stadium built for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. The rest of your day is free for you to explore or shop. This evening, perhaps dine on delicious local specialities at one of the many restaurants.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Optional Experiences

Argolis (Mycenae/Epidaurus/Corinth Canal)

Leaving Athens, first cross the Corinth Canal, separating the Peloponnese from Mainland Greece with impressive dimensions - Visit ancient Mycenae, 3500 years old and home to the Lion Gate, Royal Palace & Tomb of Agamemnon, before continuing on to the stunning precision built ancient theatre of Epidaurus, There will also be a stop at the picturesque town of Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece.

Adult Price: €100.00

Cape Sounion

Take a relaxing trip down to the southernmost tip of Mainland Greece to see the fifth century B.C Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. See if you can spot where Byron carved his initials on one of the temple’s sixteen columns. Marvel at the sheer rugged beauty of the coastline and the ancient temple perched above a 197-foot drop down to the Aegean Sea below. Stand above the site of the world’s first lighthouse, overlooking an area steeped in classical Greek history, ever since the tragic King Aegeas threw himself from the rocky precipice into the sea below, thereby giving his name to the Aegean Sea.

Adult Price: €40.00

Delphi

The slopes of Parnassus Mountain are home to Delphi, home to the Oracke and the centre of the universe for the ancient world. Visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Stadium & the Temple, as well as the museum of Delphi - home to over 10,000 artefacts, including the famous bronze Charioteer. In addition, you will also pass through the typical mountain Greek village of Arachova - famous for its cheese, matured in nearby caves, and for its flokati rugs.

Adult Price: €100.00

National Archaeological Museum

Visit the National Archaeological Museum of Athens with our local specialist to view some of the most important exhibits; see the first “computer” known to man that was discovered south of Greece and is known as the “Antikythira mechanism”, marvel at the gold burial mask of Agammemnon, or the frescoes from the lost city of “Akrotiri” in Santorini! Enjoy free time to visit more exhibits and perhaps have a coffee in the museums beautiful main courtyard.

Adult Price: €36.00

Dinner "Meze" Style in Psiri

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at a wonderful restaurant located in the lively area of Psiri. Dining is “meze style”, giving you the opportunity to taste many Greek cuisine dishes, which are served in the centre of the table. Also enjoy the local free-flowing wine! (Casual dress)

Adult Price: €50.00

Day 2

Day 3

Embark – MykonosDay 3 - Embark – Mykonos

Board your ship and cruise to the glamorous island of Mykonos and spend time discovering the charming town and enjoy the sunset over Little Venice.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3

Day 4

Kusadasi – PatmosDay 4 - Kusadasi – Patmos

Arrive early at the bustling port of Kusadasi in Turkey - where there is time to take an Optional Experience to Ephesus. Your cruise continues to Patmos, with an Optional Experience to the cave where the Book of Revelation was written.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Optional Experiences

Ancient Ephesus through the ages - Hellenistic and Roman

This morning, the wonderful site of Ancient Ephesus awaits. Walk the streets visited by so many famous historical figures including Cleopatra. The local specialist brings history alive as we begin our visit at the top of Ephesus, passing by the Agora, Odeon, the original marble-paved Street of Kouretes, Trajan’s Fountain, Public Latrines, Hadrian’s Temple, culminating with the magnificent Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre, which accommodated 24,000 spectators. Our optional experience gives us an opportunity for local shopping such as carpets, jewelry, leather and other souvenirs famous in Turkey. Return to the town and port of Kusadasi, take the opportunity to bargain in the covered bazaar.

Adult Price: €70.00

Patmos Countryside Tour with Hora And Grotto Of Apocalypse

We visit Patmos a UNESCO “World Heritage Monument” and enjoy a panoramic guided tour of the island, a magical visit to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, where it is said St John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation. We reach the medieval town of Hora to enjoy a leisurely walk, marvel at the views of the Monastery of St John the Evangelist, and culminate our tour at Scala the port of Patmos where we enjoy a welcoming coffee, tea or refreshment.

Adult Price: €65.00

Day 4

Day 5

RhodesDay 5 - Rhodes

Arrive in Rhodes. Explore the fascinating medieval Old Town or join an Optional Experience to visit Lindos, featuring an acropolis with stunning coastal views.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Optional Experiences

Medieval tour - Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights

We visit Lindos, the jewel of Rhodes, situated 55 km (40 miles) from the port and the city of Rhodes. Ascend the Acropolis of Lindos, with the ancient Temple of Athena dating back to the 5th Century BC, and marvel at the spectacular views of St Pauls Bay and the beautiful Aegean Sea below. In the village see the captains’ mansions, Church of the Virgin Mary of Lindos, with frescoes from the 15th century. Returning to Rhodes town, we see the medieval walls and walk through the gates of the city on to the best preserved Medieval Street, the Street of the Knights of John.

Adult Price: €70.00

Day 5

Day 6

Heraklion – SantoriniDay 6 - Heraklion – Santorini

Wake up in Heraklion on the island of Crete and disembark for your complimentary shore experience visit to the Palace of Knossos. Later continue your cruise to Santorini, a spectacular volcanic island featuring beautiful cliff-top villages with incredible views of the Caldera. Maybe sample a glass of the local vinsanto wine.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Optional Experiences

Spectacular Oia Village Perched On The Caldera Rim

Our drive through the crescent shaped island offers unsurpassable views of the lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea and Nea Kameni. Our route takes us through Fira, the islands capital, past small traditional settlements of Firostefani and Imerovigli arriving at the beautiful and romantic village of Oia.Iconic Cycladic architecture of white washed houses, blue domed churches and blue shutters, buildings that look like they are trickling down the islands’ cliffs await. Time at leisure in spectacular Oia, to stroll through the marble-paved alleys, to gaze at the gorgeous shops, find and capture perfect pictures moments. After our time at leisure, we return to the ship.

Adult Price: €70.00

Day 6

Day 7

Disembark – AthensDay 7 - Disembark – Athens

Dock this morning in Athens and transfer to your hotel in Athens. Spend the rest of your day relaxing, sightseeing or shopping for souvenirs.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Day 7

Day 8

Depart AthensDay 8 - Depart Athens

Say farewell to your newfound friends at the end of a remarkable journey and transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Day 8

Available Departures

Please see http://www.trafalgar.com:80/aus/tours/ancient-lands-premier for the latest discounts & departure information.

Sightseeing Highlights

City tour in Athens

See Hadrian's Arch and the 1896 Olympic Stadium in Athens

View the Parthenon, the white-washed houses and windmills on Mykonos and the Caldera on Santorini

Visit the Acropolis in Athens, the trendy island of Mykonos, the thriving Turkish port of Kusadasi, the idyllic island of Patmos, the medieval Old Town of Rhodes, the port town of Heraklion and the cliff-top town of Fira on Santorini

What's Included

Dining

7 breakfasts

4 cruise dinners

4 cruise lunches

What's Included

Travel Highlights

Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing

Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals

Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

The Trafalgar Experience

Simply Authentic

Enjoy

Enjoy the wonder of travel, crisscrossing the globe through the seasons. On effortless adventures in breathtaking new horizons, forge lifelong friendships and memories. Our lovingly crafted itineraries are a fascinating mosaic of cultures, flavours, festivals and local stories. We’re with you all the way, guiding you and ensuring you experience the real thing: the sheer love of travel, entirely hassle-free.

Simply Authentic

Love... Travel

"Is simply the best way to position what our guests love to experience and what we love to deliver" - Gavin Tollman CEO

Simply Authentic

Meet

Meet warm-hearted locals and like-minded travellers. Along your journey of discovery, stop to share stories and flavours with local farmers, chefs and winemakers. Pause to admire the handicrafts and rich traditions of amazing artisans. Explore the essence of Europe through captivating accounts shared by expert historians and savvy local guides.

Simply Authentic

Taste

Travelling with your tastebuds, treating them to new flavours, spices and textures along the way. From the very first breakfast to the last nightcap, travelling through Europe indulges your palate, with every meal an opportunity to discover regional fare. Savour each new flavour, try the local tipple and take home fresh culinary inspiration. Let us share our love for food and hospitality with you.

Simply Authentic

Unwind

Once you've packed your suitcase, we take care of the rest, removing all your concerns so that you can be secure in the knowledge that an award-winning global company with an impeccable reputation has taken care of every little detail. We arrange everything you'll need along your journey - meals, accommodation and travel logistics, because we are with you all the way. Travel the world with peace of mind, knowing you’re in the hands of Trafalgar.

Guest Reviews and Ratings

Service rating : Tour director was great. Having a get together with other guests the evening prior to the tour starting was a huge bonus. We got to know each other and went out for dinner. The only disappointment was that our TD couldn't stay with us for the cruise because her office needed her

Trip:

Service:

Service rating : They kept us informed of all activities and were instrumental in keeping us ahead of the crowd on all excursions both to and from the shipProduct : The itineraries are fine but too little time in some places and back to back excursions in one time are simply exhausting

Trip:

Service:

Wonderful experience and amazing tour guide, ANNA Westlake! However we would have enjoyed more time on the islands during the days versus cruising mid day.

Trip:

Service:

excellent

Trip:

Service:

Excellent from Tou Guide Anne Sivakis from start to finish and Sabrina in Athens